CH-53Ds, Rhoose / St Athan area, October 1978

[Kevin Brewer]

Viewed from Penarth, on 9th October 1978 I saw two USMC CH-53Ds heading north over the Bristol Channel in the general direction of Rhoose or St Athan. One was in the older, higher-vis scheme from which I read a code of 17. IIRC, the other was in the newer, low-vis scheme.

Having searched the BARG DVD for 1978 this sighting ties in quite neatly with the presence of USS Guadalcanal in Southampton Docks, during which time 4 of her CH-53Ds, including code CJ 17, were detached to Yeovilton for a few days either side of the 9th.

Does anyone out there have any record of these two on that date, perhaps departing Yeovilton or maybe visiting Rhoose, St Athan or some other destination in Wales?

Here's hoping...